U.S. patent application number 14/229944 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for lockable holster.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alliant Techsystems Inc.. Invention is credited to Clifton L. Cook, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Thomas A. Marx, Eric M. Yeates.
Application Number | 20140209645 14/229944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43970213 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140209645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gregory; Thomas M. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
Lockable Holster
Abstract
A holster having a cavity and an axis defined along a side wall
of the holster; a lever having a finger button portion and an
engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached atop
the side wall of the holster, along the axis, approximately between
the finger button portion and the engagement portion, such that the
finger button portion extends from the axis and is positioned above
the frame/slide portion of the cavity and the engagement portion
extends from the axis and is positioned above the trigger guard
portion of the cavity; a hollow formed within a portion of the side
wall; and a lockout lever rotatably secured within at least a
portion of the hollow, and wherein a locking portion of the lockout
lever is positioned beneath the finger button portion of the lever
when the lockout lever is in a locked position.
Inventors: |
Gregory; Thomas M.; (Boise,
ID) ; Kincaid; Robert A.; (Bozeman, MT) ;
Cook; Clifton L.; (Sheridan, WY) ; Yeates; Eric
M.; (Virginia Beach, VA) ; Marx; Thomas A.;
(Virginia Beach, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alliant Techsystems Inc. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
43970213 |
Appl. No.: |
14/229944 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13508759 |
May 9, 2012 |
8720755 |
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PCT/US2010/002935 |
Nov 9, 2010 |
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14229944 |
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61335856 |
Jan 13, 2010 |
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61280829 |
Nov 9, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/0263 20130101;
F41C 33/0209 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/244 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. A holster for a handgun, comprising: a cavity having an open top
end, a bottom end, a frame/slide portion, and a trigger guard
portion; an axis defined along a side wall of said holster, wherein
said axis extends from said open top end to said bottom end; a
lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion,
wherein said lever includes a second side facing generally toward
said holster cavity, and wherein said engagement portion of said
lever includes a locking projection extending from said second side
of said engagement portion; wherein said lever is pivotally
attached atop said side wall of said holster, along said axis,
approximately between said finger button portion and said
engagement portion, such that said finger button portion extends
from said axis and is positioned above said frame/slide portion of
said cavity and said engagement portion extends from said axis and
is positioned above said trigger guard portion of said cavity; at
least one ridge segment extending from said side wall around at
least a portion of said lever so as to define a recess, wherein
said lever is positioned within said recess; an aperture formed in
a portion of said side wall beneath at least a portion of said
finger button portion of said lever, wherein said aperture is
formed within said recess; a hollow formed within a portion of said
side wall; and a lockout lever rotatably secured within at least a
portion of said hollow such that said lockout lever is rotatable
between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein a
locking portion of said lockout lever is positioned beneath said
finger button portion of said lever when said lockout lever is in
said locked position.
2. The holster of claim 1, wherein said frame/slide portion of said
cavity has greater depth than said trigger guard portion of said
cavity.
3. The holster of claim 1, wherein said frame/slide portion is
contoured to accept at least a portion of a frame/slide of a
handgun and said trigger guard portion is contoured to accept at
least a portion of a trigger guard of a handgun.
4. The holster of claim 1, wherein said lever is pivotally attached
to said side wall.
5. The holster of claim 1, wherein said lever is pivotally attached
to at least one ridge segment.
6. The holster of claim 1, wherein a first side wall is worn away
from a user's body and a second side wall is worn adjacent said
user's body.
7. The holster of claim 1, wherein a first side wall is worn
adjacent a user's body and a second side wall is worn away from
said user's body.
8. The holster of claim 1, wherein said holster is substantially
rigid.
9. The holster of claim 1, wherein said lockout lever is
frictionally maintained in either said locked or said unlocked
position unless a sufficient force is applied to rotate said
lockout lever.
10. The holster of claim 1, wherein said lockout lever includes at
least one key slot that is capable of interacting with one or more
mating portions of a key, such that rotation of said lockout lever
can be accomplished by interaction of said one or more mating
portions of a key and said at least one key slot.
11. The holster of claim 1, wherein said locking projection
includes a ramp surface.
12. The holster of claim 1, wherein said hollow is formed within a
portion of said at least one ridge segment of said side wall.
13. The holster of claim 1, wherein when said lever is in said
engaged position, said locking projection protrudes into said
holster cavity, via an opening in said side wall such that said
locking projection extends inside said holster cavity and when said
lever is in said disengaged position, said locking projection is at
least partially withdrawn from said holster cavity.
14. The holster of claim 1, wherein said lever is pivotable between
an engaged position and a disengaged position.
15. The holster of claim 14, wherein said lever is biased to said
engaged position.
16. The holster of claim 14, wherein if said lockout lever is in
said locked position, at least a portion of said locking portion of
said lockout lever extends beneath said finger button portion of
said release lever to keep said release lever pivoting to said
disengaged position, and wherein if said lockout lever is in said
unlocked position, said locking portion of said lockout lever is
withdrawn from beneath said finger button portion of said release
lever so as to allow said release lever to be pivoted to said
disengaged position.
17. A holster for a handgun, comprising: a cavity having an open
top end, a bottom end, a frame/slide portion, and a trigger guard
portion; an axis defined substantially between said frame/slide
portion and said trigger guard portion, wherein said axis extends
from said open top end to said bottom end; a lever having a finger
button portion and an engagement portion, wherein said lever
includes a second side facing generally toward said holster cavity,
and wherein said engagement portion of said lever includes a
locking projection extending from said second side of said
engagement portion; wherein said lever is pivotally attached atop a
side wall of said holster, along said axis, approximately between
said finger button portion and said engagement portion, such that
said finger button portion extends from said axis and is positioned
above said frame/slide portion of said cavity and said engagement
portion extends from said axis and is positioned above said trigger
guard portion of said cavity, and wherein said lever is pivotable
between an engaged position and a disengaged position; at least one
ridge segment extending from said side wall around at least a
portion of said lever so as to define a recess, wherein said lever
is positioned within said recess; and a hollow formed within a
portion of said side wall; and a lockout lever rotatably secured
within at least a portion of said hollow such that said lockout
lever is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked
position, and wherein a locking portion of said lockout lever is
positioned beneath said finger button portion of said lever when
said lockout lever is in said locked position.
18. The holster of claim 16, further comprising an aperture formed
in a portion of said side wall beneath at least a portion of said
finger button portion of said lever, wherein said aperture is
formed within said recess.
19. The holster of claim 16, wherein when said lever is in said
engaged position, said locking projection protrudes into said
holster cavity, via an opening in said side wall such that said
locking projection extends inside said holster cavity and when said
lever is in said disengaged position, said locking projection is at
least partially withdrawn from said holster cavity.
20. The holster of claim 16, wherein if said lockout lever is in
said locked position, at least a portion of said locking portion of
said lockout lever extends beneath said finger button portion of
said release lever to keep said release lever pivoting to said
disengaged position, and wherein if said lockout lever is in said
unlocked position, said locking portion of said lockout lever is
withdrawn from beneath said finger button portion of said release
lever so as to allow said release lever to be pivoted to said
disengaged position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/508,759, filed May 9, 2012, International
Application Serial No. PCTUS2010002935, filed Nov. 9, 2010, U.S.
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/335,856, filed Jan. 13, 2010, and
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/280,829, filed Nov. 9, 2009,
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
[0004] The disclosure of this patent document contains material
that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, the applicant owns all
trademarks and service marks identified herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The presently disclosed invention relates generally to
handgun holsters. In particular, the present invention relates to a
handgun holster having a lockable retention system.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] Many users of handguns, particularly military and law
enforcement personnel, carry a handgun in a holster designed to
protect the handgun and hold it securely. Holsters can be worn in a
number of ways, such as on a belt at the waist, on the thigh, under
an arm, or around an ankle.
[0009] Certain users of handguns must be able to quickly and easily
remove the handgun from a holster regardless of the type of holster
used. Additionally, these users need to be assured that, when not
in use, the handgun will remain safely in the holster.
[0010] Some holsters rely solely on friction to secure the handgun
in place. This combination might not be suitable for situations
where the gun/holster is subject to a great deal of movement
because such movement could cause the handgun to lose frictional
engagement with the holster.
[0011] Certain other holsters include a variety of strap or flap
arrangements that prevent the removal of the firearm from the
holster while the strap or flap is in place. With designs that rely
on this method to retain a handgun, a user must first unfasten
and/or rotate the strap/flap before the firearm can be withdrawn.
Then, to re-secure the handgun in the holster once the handgun has
been re-holstered, the user must physically refasten and/or rotate
the strap/flap before the firearm is securely retained within the
holster. Some users might not prefer these designs because of the
time required to release and/or re-secure the handgun.
[0012] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles, or the like, which has been included in the present
specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of
these matters form part of the prior art base or were common
general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure
as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this
application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates generally to handgun holsters.
In particular, the present invention relates to a holster for a
weapon, such as, for example, a handgun, having a retention system
for securing a handgun such that the handgun is retained or locked
in the holster when the retention system is engaged, but may be
easily removed from the holster by the wearer while removal by
anyone other than the wearer is difficult.
[0014] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this
invention, the handgun holster comprises a handgun holster having a
retention system. The retention system comprises a lever having an
engagement portion and a finger button portion, the engagement
portion includes a locking projection for engaging an interior
portion of the trigger guard of the handgun in the holster and,
thereby, retaining the handgun in the holster.
[0015] The construction of the holster prevents the locking
projection from contacting the trigger of the handgun by limiting
how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster. The
construction of the holster further facilitates alignment of the
trigger guard with the locking projection by limiting movement of
the handgun with respect to the lever.
[0016] The lever is positioned on the holster such that, when a
user depresses the appropriate portion of the lever, thereby
releasing the handgun from the holster, and draws the handgun from
the holster, the user's index finger is positioned to contact the
frame of the handgun, above the trigger guard.
[0017] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this
invention, a biasing element is optionally included. If included,
the biasing element contacts a front portion of the handgun's
trigger guard and is spring-biased when the handgun is retained, or
locked, in the holster. The biasing element biases the handgun out
of the holster and assists in maintaining contact between the
locking projection and the trigger guard. Furthermore, the biasing
element may assist in removal of the handgun from the holster when
the locking projection is disengaged from the trigger guard.
[0018] In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this
invention, the holster includes a cavity having an open top end, a
bottom end, a frame/slide portion, and a trigger guard portion. The
frame/slide portion of the cavity has greater depth than the
trigger guard portion of the cavity. An axis extends between the
frame/slide portion of the cavity and the trigger guard portion of
the cavity.
[0019] A lever having a finger button portion and an engagement
portion is pivotally attached atop the side wall of the holster,
along the axis, approximately between the finger button portion and
the engagement portion, such that the finger button portion extends
from the axis and is positioned above the frame/slide portion of
the cavity and the engagement portion extends from the axis and is
positioned above the trigger guard portion of the cavity.
[0020] The lever includes a second side facing generally toward the
holster cavity, and the engagement portion of the lever includes a
locking projection extending from the second side of the engagement
portion; wherein the lever.
[0021] In certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this
invention, the holster further includes at least one ridge segment
extending from the side wall around at least a portion of the lever
so as to define a recess. The lever is positioned within the recess
and an aperture formed in a portion of the side wall beneath at
least a portion of the finger button portion of the lever, wherein
the aperture is formed within the recess.
[0022] Thus, the present invention automatically locks the handgun
in place in the holster with a releasable mechanism that is easily
operated by a wearer of the holster. However, the present mechanism
is not easily accidentally disengaged or disengaged by anyone other
than the wearer.
[0023] Accordingly, this invention provides a handgun holster,
having a retention system.
[0024] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a safe
and reliable quick-release handgun holster.
[0025] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster having a retention system, which is capable of
retaining a handgun securely in the holster while permitting a
quick release of the handgun when the user requires.
[0026] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster having a retention system, which is simple to
operate.
[0027] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster having a retention system, which automatically
secures the handgun in the holster upon seating of the handgun in
the holster, without requiring any additional operation by the
user.
[0028] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster and a retention system that assists the user in
positioning his or her index finger along the frame of the handgun,
outside of and not on the trigger guard, as the handgun is drawn
from the holster.
[0029] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster having an optional passive retention system, which
can be tightened to provide increased frictional tension between a
portion of the holster and the handgun trigger guard without
increasing the frictional tension between a remaining portion of
the holster and the handgun.
[0030] The presently disclosed invention separately provides a
handgun holster, which is capable of being manufactured using
injection molding production techniques.
[0031] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention are described in or are apparent from the
following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting
embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying figures.
Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary
embodiments of the present invention in concert with the figures.
While features of the present invention may be discussed relative
to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present
invention can include one or more of the features discussed herein.
Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having
certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may
also be used with the various embodiments of the invention
discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments
may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it
is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be
implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present
invention.
[0032] Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are
described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not
intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature(s) or element(s) of the present invention or the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood
that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms,
within the scope of the present invention. The figures are not
necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized
to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
employ the present invention.
[0034] The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be
described in detail, with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and wherein:
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a right perspective view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a left perspective view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a right side elevation view of a first
exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system
according to this invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a left side elevation view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0039] FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0040] FIG. 6 shows a rear elevation view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a top cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7
of the handgun holster of FIG. 3, illustrating the first exemplary
embodiment of the retention system according to this invention in
greater detail;
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a bottom plan view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0043] FIG. 9A shows a more detailed right side view of the handgun
holster further illustrating the retention system according to this
invention;
[0044] FIG. 9B shows a more detailed cross-sectional view taken
along line 9-9 of the handgun holster of FIG. 5, illustrating the
first exemplary embodiment of the retention system according to
this invention in greater detail;
[0045] FIG. 10A shows a right perspective view of a second
exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system
according to this invention;
[0046] FIG. 10B shows a left perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according
to this invention;
[0047] FIG. 11A shows a right side elevation view of a third
exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system
according to this invention;
[0048] FIG. 11B shows a left side elevation view of a third
exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system
according to this invention;
[0049] FIG. 12A shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein
the lockout lever is in a locked position according to this
invention;
[0050] FIG. 12B shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein
the lockout lever is in an unlocked position according to this
invention;
[0051] FIG. 13A show more detailed views of the front side of the
lockout lever according to this invention;
[0052] FIG. 13B show more detailed views of the back side of the
lockout lever according to this invention;
[0053] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that may be used with a lockout lever,
wherein the lockout lever is removed to show the are under the
lockout lever;
[0054] FIG. 15A shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system, showing a locking slider in a locked
position according to this invention;
[0055] FIG. 15B shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system, showing the locking slider in an
unlocked position according to this invention;
[0056] FIG. 16A shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the
retention system of the exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system and a locking slider, showing the locking
slider in a locked position according to this invention;
[0057] FIG. 16B shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the
retention system of the exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system and a locking slider, showing the locking
slider in an unlocked position according to this invention;
[0058] FIG. 17 shows a rear elevation view of an exemplary handgun
holster having a retention system and a locking slider, showing a
locking slider in a locked position according to this
invention;
[0059] FIG. 18A shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein
the lockout lever is in a locked position according to this
invention;
[0060] FIG. 18B shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein
the lockout lever is in an unlocked position according to this
invention;
[0061] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system with a lockout key in a retention system
lockout position;
[0062] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system with a lockout key in a retention system
lockout position;
[0063] FIG. 21 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout band in a
retention system lockout position;
[0064] FIG. 22 shows a top, cut-away view of an exemplary
embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a
lockout band in a retention system lockout position;
[0065] FIG. 23 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a
handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout band in a
retention system lockout position;
[0066] FIG. 24A shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a keyed lockout lever,
wherein the keyed lockout lever is in a locked position according
to this invention; and
[0067] FIG. 24B shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
having a retention system that includes a keyed lockout lever,
wherein the keyed lockout lever is in an unlocked position
according to this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0068] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and
operating principles of the handgun holster according to this
invention are explained with reference to various exemplary
embodiments of a handgun holster according to this invention. The
basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of
the handgun holster is applicable for the understanding, design,
and operation of the handgun holster of this invention.
[0069] As used herein, the word "may" is meant to convey a
permissive sense (i.e., meaning "having the potential to"), rather
than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning "must"). Unless stated
otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to
arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe.
Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal
or other prioritization of such elements.
[0070] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms
"a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.
The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises"
and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and
"having"), "include", (and any form of include, such as "includes"
and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as
"contains" and "containing") are openended linking verbs. As a
result, a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises", "has",
"includes", or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one
or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or
more elements. Similarly, a method or process that "comprises,"
"has," "includes" or "contains" one or more operations possesses
those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only
those one or more operations.
[0071] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, for simplicity
and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be
described with reference to a semiautomatic-type handgun being
secured within the present holster. However, it should be
appreciated that the operating principles of the handgun holster of
this invention may also be employed to construct holsters or
holders for any revolver or semiautomatic-type handgun, edged
weapons as well as less than lethal products (i.e., tasers, pepper
spray, mace canisters, or batons), so long as these items have an
appropriate ledge or void that may be engaged or retained by a
locking projection or other retaining means. Furthermore, it is
also within the scope of the present invention that the present
holster may be employed as a pouch for tactical accessories, such
as ammunition magazines and/or flashlights, as well as for everyday
items such as cell phones or personal digital assistants.
[0072] It should also be appreciated that the terms "handgun",
"handgun holster", and "weapon" are used for basic explanation and
understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and
apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms "handgun",
"handgun holster", and "weapon" are not to be construed as limiting
the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.
[0073] Throughout this application the word "comprise", or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used. It will be
understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a
stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or
steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step,
or group of elements, integers, or steps.
[0074] Turning now to the drawing Figs., FIGS. 1-9B show various
views of a first, illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a
handgun holster 100 having a retention system according to this
invention. It should be appreciated that the holster 100 is adapted
to retain a semiautomatic-type handgun. The semiautomatic-type
handgun includes a slide, a grip, a trigger, and a trigger guard.
The trigger guard includes an inner surface, which defines an area
wherein the trigger is located and allows a user's finger access to
the trigger, and an outer surface, which defines the outer
perimeter of the trigger guard.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1-9B, the holster 100 includes a body 103
defining a cavity 105 for receiving and holding the handgun. The
body 103 comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first
side wall 110 and a second side wall 120. Typically, the first side
wall 110 is considered the outer side of the holster and is worn
away from the user's body, while the second side wall 120 is
considered the inner side of the holster and is worn against or
adjacent the user's body.
[0076] In various exemplary embodiments, the body 103 further
comprises at least some of a front wall 130 and a rear wall 140.
However, it should be appreciated that the holster 100 may be
formed such that one or more of the first side wall 110, the second
side wall 120, the front wall 130, and/or the rear wall 140 is/are
sufficient to define the cavity 105 for receiving the handgun and
the remaining walls are not included.
[0077] The cavity 105 includes an open top end 101 and a bottom end
102 and may be formed from any number or combination of walls,
including, for example, a single, continuous wall or multiple
coupled or joined walls. Alternatively, the cavity 105 may be
formed by a material being shaped or bent in a substantial "U"
shape. Thus, the cavity 105 may be formed by any cavity, space, or
platform that is capable of retaining a handgun.
[0078] As identified in FIG. 3, an axis A extends generally from
the top end 101 to the bottom end 102, between a frame/slide
portion 109 of the cavity 105 and a trigger guard portion 107 of
the cavity 105. The frame/slide portion 107 of the cavity 105
generally has greater depth than the trigger guard portion 109 of
the cavity 105.
[0079] It should be noted that the walls of the holster 100 may
generally be planar. Alternatively, the walls of the holster 100
may be contoured or shaped to better accommodate a specific type or
model of handgun to be retained within the holster 100.
[0080] In various exemplary embodiments, the holster 100 is
substantially rigid and is formed of a polymeric material such as a
polymeric composite. Alternate materials of construction may
include one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium,
and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites
thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced
metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers
in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped
glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds,
laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber
laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins,
phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength
plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics,
thermoform and/or thermoset sheet materials, or the like, and/or
various combinations of the foregoing.
[0081] In various exemplary embodiments, at least certain
components of the holster 100 may be formed of any known or later
developed, substantially flexible material(s) such as a polymeric
material, leather, foam, foam laminates, natural and man-made
(synthetic) fabrics, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabric
laminates, moldable honeycomb materials, or the like, and/or
various combinations of the foregoing.
[0082] Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials
used to form the holster 100 and/or various components of the
holster 100 is a design choice based on the desired appearance and
functionality of the holster 100.
[0083] In various exemplary embodiments, the holster 100 includes
attachment points 170, which provide means for fastening the
holster to a holster holding device such as the holster holding
device 175 illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4. Alternatively,
the means for fastening the holster may comprise a clip or hook
adapted to be clipped over, for example, a belt. In further
exemplary embodiments, means for fastening the holster may comprise
one or more quick-disconnect or other couplings may be provided on
or adjacent the second side wall 120 of the holster 100, which may
be permanently or removably coupled to corresponding and
cooperating coupling(s) provided on a belt or other carrier or
platform. In still other exemplary embodiments, the holster 100 may
comprise an integral belt, or may comprise one or more connections
for attachment to a chest, ankle, leg, shoulder, or other harness
or band, or for otherwise securing the holster to a user or the
user's apparel.
[0084] In various exemplary embodiments, one or both of the side
walls include optional slots 180 and 182, which define a passive
retention portion 184. Although not shown in the present figures,
the inner surface of the passive retention portion 184 may
optionally include a raised area, which provides for additional
frictional engagement of the trigger guard of the handgun. One or
more retention screws 186 may be tightened or loosened to adjust
the degree of frictional retention of the handgun by the passive
retention portion 184.
[0085] The passive retention portion 184, if included, may be
adjusted, via the one or more retention screws 186, to provide an
adjustable frictional tension between the passive retention portion
184 and the handgun trigger guard, without increasing the
frictional tension between a remaining portion of the holster 100
and the handgun.
[0086] As further shown in FIGS. 1-9B, the holster 100 comprises a
retention means that is capable of retaining a handgun securely in
the holster 100 by restricting withdrawal of the handgun from the
cavity 105 of the holster 100 while permitting a quick release of
the handgun when the user requires. The retention means comprises a
lever 150, having a first side facing generally outward from the
holster 100, away from the cavity 105 formed by the holster 100,
and a second side facing toward the cavity 105 formed by the
holster 100. The lever 150 comprises at least some of a finger
button portion 151 and an engagement portion 155.
[0087] In various exemplary embodiments, the first side of the
finger button portion 151 includes a textured portion (not shown).
In this manner, the finger button portion 151 may be distinguished
tactilely from other portions of the lever 150 or the holster
100.
[0088] In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, lever 150 is
pivotally connected to the first side wall 110, approximately
between the finger button portion 151 and the engagement portion
155, via a fulcrum or pivot pin 160. In various exemplary
embodiments, the pivot pin 160 is positioned substantially parallel
to a vertical axis of the holster 100, substantially perpendicular
to a vertical axis of the holster 100, at a substantially acute
angle relative to a vertical axis of the holster 100, or at a
substantially obtuse angle relative to a vertical axis of the
holster 100. Thus, the pivot pin 160 may be positioned at any angle
relative to a vertical axis of the holster 100.
[0089] The pivot pin 160 may extend all or part of the way across
the width of the lever 150.
[0090] In various exemplary embodiments, the lever 150 may include
a first and a second protrusion extending from the lever 150.
Corresponding first and second indentions, indentations, notches,
grooves, or dimples may be formed in the first side wall 110. In
these exemplary embodiments, the first and second protrusions are
formed so as to operate in cooperating relationship with the first
and second dimples such that the lever 150 may be pivotally
attached, via the first and second protrusions and the first and
second dimples, to the first side wall 110 approximately between a
finger button portion 151 and the engagement portion 155. Thus, the
pivot pin 160 is replaced by the first and second protrusions.
[0091] Alternatively, the lever 150 may include first and second
dimples while the first sidewall 110 includes first and second
protrusions. In these exemplary embodiments, the first and second
dimples are formed so as to operate in cooperating relationship
with the first and second protrusions such that the lever 150 may
be pivotably attached, via the first and second dimples and the
first and second protrusions, to the first side wall 110
approximately between the finger button portion 151 and the
engagement portion 155.
[0092] The lever 150 is pivotable between an engaged position for
securing the handgun within the cavity 105 of the holster 100 and a
disengaged position for removal of the handgun. In various
exemplary embodiments, the lever 150 may pivot between the engaged
position and the disengaged position. Alternatively, the lever 150
may be pivotably positioned and/or retained between either the
engaged position or the disengaged position.
[0093] In various exemplary embodiments, the lever 150 may be
biased to an engaged position whether the handgun is present in the
holster 100 or absent from the holster 100. In various exemplary
embodiments, biasing of the lever 150 may be accomplished by, for
example, a spring means 165.
[0094] It should be appreciated that any suitable biasing means,
element, or mechanism may be used to form the spring means 165. For
example, in various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of this
invention, the spring means 165 may comprise a portion of spring
steel, a helical spring, a compression coil spring, a cylindrical
coil spring, a conical coil spring, a tension coil spring, a leaf
spring, a V-spring, a cantilever spring, a spring washer, a
flexible extension of the lever 150 or the first side wall 110, a
stretched or tensioned material, such as, for example, a rubber
band, or any other element, material, or mechanism usable to bias
the lever 150.
[0095] It should be understood that the overall size, shape, and
thickness of the spring means 165 will vary depending on the type
and rigidity of the particular material used to form the spring
means 165.
[0096] The engagement portion 155 of the lever 150 includes a
locking projection 156, formed on the second side of the engagement
portion 155. In certain exemplary embodiments, the locking
projection 156 optionally extends substantially perpendicularly
from the second side of the engagement and 155.
[0097] In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the locking
projection 156 includes a ramp surface 157 and is shaped generally
to match the contour of a portion of the inner surface of the
trigger guard. Alternatively, the locking projection 156 may
terminate in a radiused or not radiused manner. Particularly if the
trigger guard of the handgun that is to be carried within the
holster 100 is itself radiused, the ramp surface 157 may not be
included.
[0098] Regardless of the particular handgun used, the locking
projection 156 should be shaped so that there is no possibility
that the locking projection 156 can at any time contact the trigger
of the handgun. When the handgun is pushed as far forward as
possible into the holster 100 and the trigger guard has come to
rest against the trigger guard support wall 145, there should be a
space between the locking projection 156 and the trigger of the
handgun.
[0099] When the lever 150 is in the engaged position, the locking
projection 156 protrudes from the second side of the engagement
portion 155, into the cavity 105 formed in the holster 100, via an
opening 115 in the first side wall 110. In this manner, the locking
projection 156 may extend inside the cavity 105 and inside the
trigger guard of a handgun that is placed into the holster 100 and,
thereby, retain the handgun in the holster 100.
[0100] In various exemplary embodiments, the locking projection 156
protrudes into the cavity 105 for a distance that is less than the
width of the trigger guard. Alternatively, the locking projection
156 may protrude into the cavity 105 for a distance that is equal
to or greater than the width of the trigger guard.
[0101] In addition, when the lever 150 is in the engaged position
and is retaining a handgun in place, the clearance between the
locking projection 156 and the trigger guard support wall 145
should be such that there is room for the slight arc or
plunger-type movement of the locking projection 156 when the finger
button portion 151 is depressed.
[0102] Thus, the retention means is automatically disengaged as the
outer surface of the handgun's trigger guard contacts the locking
projection 156 and is subsequently engaged when the inner surface
of the trigger guard has passed the locking projection 156 and the
handgun is appropriately retained in the holster 100.
[0103] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the holster 100 can be
divided, along an axis that extends from the pivot pin 160, along
the first side wall 110 of the holster 100, into a frame/slide
portion and a trigger guard portion. The frame/slide portion is
contoured to accept at least a portion of a frame/slide of a
handgun and the trigger guard portion is contoured to accept at
least a portion of a trigger guard of a handgun. Thus, it can be
seen that the finger button portion 151 extends into the
frame/slide portion of the holster and the engagement portion 155
extends into the trigger guard portion of the holster 100.
[0104] As at least a portion of each holster 100 is formed to
accommodate and securely retain a specific type of handgun. The
construction of the holster 100 also prevents the locking
projection 156 from contacting the trigger of the inserted handgun
by limiting how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster
100.
[0105] In various exemplary embodiments, a trigger guard support
wall 145 is generally formed by a portion of the body of the
holster 100. The trigger guard support wall 145 is shaped generally
to match the contours of at least a portion of the outer surface of
the trigger guard. The trigger guard support wall 145 is formed so
as to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the
trigger guard of the inserted handgun and further limit how far the
handgun can be inserted into the holster 100.
[0106] The construction of the holster 100 further facilitates
alignment of the trigger guard with the locking projection 156 by
limiting lateral movement of the handgun with respect to the lever
150 and the locking projection 156 without preventing a user from
easily holstering or drawing the handgun.
[0107] In various exemplary embodiments, an optional ridge 118 is
formed in the first side wall 110 around at least a portion of the
lever 150. Generally, the ridge does not contact the lever 150, but
provides a perimeter around at least a portion of the lever 150 to
reduce the likelihood that the lever 150 will be inadvertently
manipulated and to aid in the proper placement of a user's finger
on the finger button portion 151 of the lever 150. The ridge 118
may include a textured portion (not shown), such that the ridge 118
may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the holster
100 or the lever 150. The ridge 118 may include a gap or valley
formed so as to accommodate a user's finger if the finger would
extend beyond the finger button portion 151 of the lever 150.
[0108] In various exemplary embodiments, the optional ridge 118 is
comprised of at least one ridge segment 118 and/or 119 that are
formed around at least a portion of the lever 150.
[0109] In various exemplary embodiments, a recess 117 is defined
within the optional ridge 118 or ridge segments 118 and/or 119.
[0110] Although FIGS. 1-9B show the lever 150 connected to the
first side wall 110, it should be appreciated that in various
exemplary embodiments, the lever 150 may be connected to the second
side wall 120.
[0111] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this
invention, a biasing element 190 is optionally included. If
included, the biasing element 190 extends towards the locking
projection 156, covering substantially the entire distance between
the trigger guard support wall 145 and the locking projection 156.
In various exemplary embodiments, the biasing element 190 does not
touch the locking projection 156.
[0112] It should be appreciated that any suitable spring mechanism
may be used to form the biasing element 190. The overall size,
shape, and thickness of the biasing element 190 will vary depending
on the type and rigidity of the particular material used to form
the biasing element 190.
[0113] The biasing element 190 is configured to contact the outer
surface of the trigger guard and is spring-biased (as shown in
phantom by 190') when the handgun is retained, or locked, in the
holster. In a compressed position, the tension of the biasing
element 190 biases the handgun outward and assists in maintaining
contact between the locking projection 156 and the inner surface of
the trigger guard.
[0114] Furthermore, the biasing element 190 may assist in removal
of the handgun from the holster when the locking projection is
disengaged from the trigger guard.
[0115] The biasing element 190 may be configured in a number of
ways, and may be attached to the holster 100 by any suitable
method. In one exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 190 is
molded as an integral part of the holster 100.
[0116] An aperture 116 is formed in a portion of the first side
wall 110, within the recess 117, beneath at least a portion of the
finger button portion 151 of the lever 150. Among other things, the
aperture 116 allows dirt and/or debris that may find its way under
the finger button portion 151 of the lever 150 to be pushed into
the cavity 105. In this manner, dirt and/or debris is not permitted
to build up underneath the finger button portion 151 of the lever
150 and keep the finger button portion 151 from being depressed by
a user.
[0117] During use of the holster 100 having a retention system, as
a user begins to holster the handgun, the handgun is inserted into
the cavity 105 of the holster, muzzle first, and is guided into
position by at least some of the first side wall 110, the second
side wall 120, the front wall 130, and the rear wall 140.
[0118] As the handgun is inserted further into the cavity 105, the
outer surface of the trigger guard will contact the ramp surface
157 of the locking projection 156. The shape of the ramp surface
157 allows the locking projection 156 to ride along the surface of
the trigger guard and displace the locking projection 156 of the
lever 150. As the locking projection 156 rides along the surface of
the trigger guard, the bias of the lever 150 is overcome and the
lever 150 is pivoted towards the disengaged position and the
handgun is permitted to be seated in the cavity 105 of the holster.
The trigger guard is prevented from moving in a direction opposite
the locking projection 156 by the position of the first side wall
110 and the second side wall 120.
[0119] As the handgun is further seated into the holster, the
trigger guard continues to displace the locking projection 156 and
the lever 150 continues to pivot until the trigger guard passes a
point of contact with a farthest extent of the locking projection
156 and clears the locking projection 156. When the trigger guard
passes the locking projection 156, the lever 150 may be biased, via
the spring means 165, to pivot back to the engaged position.
[0120] Thus, the handgun is secured in the cavity 105 of the
holster by operation of the locking projection 156 blocking removal
of the handgun, via the inner surface of the trigger guard. While
the handgun is fully seated in the cavity 105 of the holster 100
with the lever 150 biased to the engaged position, removal of the
handgun is not permitted, as the locking projection 156 does not
allow the trigger guard to pass by. When the handgun is secured in
place, removal force applied to the handgun will not remove the
handgun from the holster 100 unless the finger button portion 151
is pivoted and the locking projection 156 is brought out of the way
of the inner surface of the trigger guard.
[0121] In order to release and unholster the handgun, the user
depresses the finger button portion 151 of the lever 150, pivoting
the finger button portion 151 towards the cavity 105. At some
point, the first side wall 110 will stop the inward movement of the
finger button portion 151, thus eliminating the possibility that
the finger button portion 151 can prevent the removal of the
handgun by contacting the trigger or constricting the trigger
guard.
[0122] As the finger button portion 151 of the lever 150 is
depressed, the bias of the lever 150 is overcome, the lever 150 is
pivoted towards the disengaged position, and the locking projection
156 of the engagement portion 155 is at least partially withdrawn
from the opening 115 and out of the holster cavity 105.
[0123] When the finger button portion 151 has been depressed
sufficiently, such that the locking projection 156 of the
engagement portion 155 is sufficiently withdrawn from the holster
cavity 105, such that the locking projection 156 clears the inner
surface of the trigger guard, the handgun's trigger guard will no
longer be blocked by the locking projection 156, and the handgun
can be withdrawn from the holster 100.
[0124] In various exemplary embodiments wherein the first side wall
110 is worn away from the user's body and the second side wall 120
is worn adjacent the user's body, the finger button portion 151 may
be positioned such that, as the finger button portion 151 is
depressed, the user's index finger is positioned along the frame of
the handgun, between the trigger guard and the slide. Therefore, as
the handgun is withdrawn from the holster 100 the user's index
finger is positioned to contact the frame of the handgun, above the
trigger guard, and not the trigger guard or the trigger.
[0125] The holster 100, as shown and described with reference to
FIGS. 1-9B, is oriented such that the first side wall 110 is worn
away from the user's body and the second side wall 120 is worn
adjacent the user's body, such that the lever 150 is generally
accessible by the user's index finger. However, in various other
exemplary embodiments, the first side wall 110 is oriented to be
worn adjacent the user's body and the second side wall 120 is
oriented to be worn away from the user's body. In these exemplary
embodiments, the lever 150 is generally accessible by the user's
thumb.
[0126] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a right perspective view and a left
perspective view, respectively, of a second exemplary embodiment of
a handgun holster 200 having a retention system according to this
invention. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the handgun holster 200
includes a body 203 defining a cavity 205 for receiving and holding
the handgun. The body 203 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 210, an optional ridge 218 and/or
ridge segments 218 and/or 219, a second side wall 220, a front wall
230, and a rear wall 240. The handgun holster 200 further comprises
attachment points 270, optional slots 284 and 282, a passive
retention screw 286, and a retention means comprising a lever
250.
[0127] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the body 103, the cavity
105, the first side wall 110, the optional ridge 118 and/or ridge
segments 118 and/or 119, the second side wall 120, the front wall
130, the rear wall 140, the attachment points 170, the optional
slots 180 and 182, the passive retention screw 186, the retention
means, and the lever 150, as described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-9B.
[0128] However, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first side wall
210, the second side wall 220, and the front wall 230 of the
handgun holster are extended, as compared to the holster 100.
[0129] The extended first side wall 210, second side wall 220, and
front wall 230 perform at least three functions. First, the
extended walls more fully surround and protect the handgun when the
handgun is secured in the holster 200. Second, the extended walls
serve to help better guide a handgun into the holster 200. Third,
the extended walls serve to add a measure of strength and rigidity
to the entire structure of the holster 200.
[0130] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a right perspective view and a left
perspective view, respectively, of a second exemplary embodiment of
a handgun holster 300 having a retention system according to this
invention. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the handgun holster 300
includes an open top end 301 and a bottom end 302. The handgun
holster 300 further includes a body 303 defining a cavity 305
(having a trigger guard portion 307 and a frame/slide portion 309)
for receiving and holding the handgun.
[0131] The body 303 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 310, an aperture 316, a recess 317, an
optional ridge 318 and/or ridge segments 318 and/or 319, a second
side wall 320, a front wall 330, and a rear wall 340. The handgun
holster 300 further comprises attachment points 370, optional slots
384 and 382, a passive retention screw 386, optionally the biasing
element 390, and a retention means comprising a lever 350 having a
finger button portion 351 and an engagement portion 355. The lever
350 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 360, to the first side
wall 310.
[0132] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the body 103 and/or 203,
the cavity 105 and/or 205, the first side wall 110 and/or 210, the
aperture 116 and/or 216, the recess 117 and/or 217, the optional
ridge 118 and/or 218, the optional ridge segments 118 and/or 119
and/or 218 and/or 219, the second side wall 120 and/or 220, the
front wall 130 and/or 230, the rear wall 140 and/or 240, the pivot
pin 160 and/or 260, the attachment points 170 and/or 270, the
optional slots 180 and 182 and/or 280 and 282, the passive
retention screw 186 and/or 286, the retention means, the optional
biasing element 190 and/or 290 (not shown), and the lever 150
and/or 250 having the finger button portion 151 and/or 251 and the
engagement portion 155 and/or 255, as described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-10B.
[0133] However, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first side wall
310, the second side wall 320, and the front wall 330 of the
handgun holster 300 are slightly different from the respective side
walls and front wall of the handgun holsters 100 and 200.
[0134] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the optional
ridge segments 319 extend from the finger button and 355 of the
lever 350 to the top of the first side wall 310. A trough 312 is
formed between the ridge segments 319, so as to further aid in the
proper placement of a user's finger on the finger button portion
351 of the lever 350. It should be should appreciate that the ridge
segments 319 may include a textured portion (not shown), such that
the ridge segments 319 may be distinguished tactilely from other
portions of the holster 300 or the lever 350.
[0135] FIGS. 12A-14 show various views of a handgun holster 400
having a retention system that includes a lockout lever 491 and the
various components the lockable holster retention system of this
invention. As shown in FIGS. 12A-14, the handgun holster 400
includes an open top end 401 and a bottom end 402. The handgun
holster 400 further includes a body 403 defining a cavity 405
(having a trigger guard portion 407 and a frame/slide portion 409)
for receiving and holding the handgun.
[0136] The body 403 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 410, a trough 412, an aperture 416, a
recess 417, an optional ridge 418 and/or ridge segments 418 and/or
419, a second side wall 420 (not shown), a front wall 430, and a
rear wall 440. The handgun holster 400 further comprises attachment
points 470 (not shown), optional slots 484 and 482 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 486, optionally the biasing element 490
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 450 having a
finger button portion 451 and an engagement portion 455. The lever
450 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 460, to the first side
wall 410.
[0137] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 400 shown in FIGS. 12A-14 correspond to and operate
similarly to the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-11B. However, as illustrated in FIGS.
12A-14, the first side wall 410, the second side wall 420 (not
shown), and the front wall 430 of the handgun holster 400 are
slightly different from the respective side walls and front wall of
the handgun holsters 100-300.
[0138] However, as shown in FIGS. 12A-14, a lockout lever 491 is
pivotably attached, via a screw or pivot pin 498, to the first side
wall such that the lockout lever 491 is able to be rotated between
a locked position (as illustrated in FIG. 12A) and an unlocked
position (as illustrated in FIG. 12B).
[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the lockout lever 491 includes a
finger engaging portion or ridge 492 that can be engaged or urged
by a user's finger to pivot or rotate the lockout lever 491 between
the locked and unlocked positions.
[0140] The lockout lever 491 includes a locking portion 493 that,
when the lockout lever 491 is in the locked position (as
illustrated in FIG. 12A), extends below the finger button portion
451 of the release lever 450 to block the finger button portion 451
of the release lever 450 and keep the release lever 450 from being
pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot
the release lever 450 from the engaged to the disengaged
position.
[0141] When the lockout lever 491 is in the unlocked position (as
illustrated in FIG. 12B), the locking portion of the lockout lever
491 is withdrawn from beneath the finger button portion 451 of the
release lever 450 so as to allow the finger button portion 451 of
the release lever 450 to be pivoted to the disengaged position.
[0142] In certain exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever 491 is
freely rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked
position. Alternatively, the lockout lever 491 may be frictionally
maintained, by, for example, frictional engagement between the
holster body 403 and the lockout lever 491, in either the locked or
the unlocked position unless a force is applied, i.e., by a user's
finger, to slide the lockout lever 491 to the locked or unlocked
position. In various exemplary embodiments, frictional engagement
between the surfaces of the holster body 403 and the lockout lever
491 works to maintain the lockout lever 491 in a desired
position.
[0143] In other exemplary embodiments, one or more mating
protrusions 495 and/or detents 496 (as illustrated most clearly in
FIGS. 13B and 14), or other means may be provided to maintain the
lockout lever 491 in the locked or unlocked position.
[0144] In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion
451 of the release lever 450 a sufficient distance to pivot the
release lever 450 to the disengaged position, the lockout lever 491
must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in FIG. 12B). If
the lockout lever 491 is in the locked position (as illustrated in
FIG. 12A), the locking portion 493 is positioned so as to contact a
bottom surface of the finger button portion 451 and block the
finger button portion 451 of the release lever 450 and keep the
release lever 450 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position.
[0145] In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever 491 may
include one or more lockout apertures (not shown). If included, the
lockout apertures allow a lock or other device to be positioned
within a portion of the locking portion to maintain the lockout
lever 491 in the locked or unlocked position.
[0146] FIGS. 15A and 15B show a right side view and FIG. 17 shows a
rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster 500
having a retention system according to this invention. FIG. 16A
shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system
of the retention system of the handgun holster 500, showing the
locking slider 591 in a locked position, while FIG. 16B shows a
more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system of the
retention system of the handgun holster 500, showing the locking
slider 591 in an unlocked position.
[0147] As shown in FIGS. 15A-17, the handgun holster 500 includes
an open top end 501 and a bottom end 502. The handgun holster 500
further includes a body 503 defining a cavity 505 (having a trigger
guard portion 507 and a frame/slide portion 509) for receiving and
holding the handgun.
[0148] The body 503 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 510, a trough 512, an aperture 516, a
recess 517, an optional ridge 518 and/or ridge segments 518 and/or
519, a second side wall 520 (not shown), a front wall 530, and a
rear wall 540. The handgun holster 500 further comprises attachment
points 570 (not shown), optional slots 584 and 582 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 586, optionally the biasing element 590
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 550 having a
finger button portion 551 and an engagement portion 555. The lever
550 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 560, to the first side
wall 510.
[0149] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 500 shown in FIGS. 15A-17 correspond to and operate
similarly to the elements of holsters 100-400, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-14.
[0150] However, as shown in FIGS. 15A-17, a slot 597 is formed
through a portion of the ridge 518 such that a body portion 596 of
a locking slider 591 is capable of being slidably maintained within
the slot 597.
[0151] The body portion 596 of the locking slider 591 extends from
a finger engaging portion 592 to a slide stop portion 594 and
includes a notch 598 form and in a proportion of the locking slider
body portion 596. When slidably positioned within the slot 597, the
locking slider 591 is able to slide between a locked position (as
illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 16A) and an unlocked position (as
illustrated in FIGS. 15B and 16B). The finger engaging portion 592
and the slide stop portion 594 engage portions of the reached 518
so as to maintain the locking slider 591 within the slot 597.
[0152] The notch 598 is shaped so as to allow the engagement
portion 555 of the lever 550 to pass therethrough when the locking
slider 591 is in the unlocked position and the notch 598 is aligned
with the impeachment end 555 (as illustrated in FIGS. 15B and 16B).
However, when the locking slider 591 is in the locked position, the
body portion 596 is positioned so as to engage the engagement
portion 555 of the lever 550 if an attempt is made to pivot the
lever 550 from the engaged to the disengaged position and keep the
lever 550 from pivoting to the disengaged position (as illustrated
in FIGS. 15A and 16A).
[0153] In certain exemplary embodiments, the locking slider 591 may
freely slide between the locked position and the unlocked position.
Alternatively, the locking slider 591 may be naturally maintained
either the locked or the unlocked position within the slot 597
unless a force is applied, i.e., by a user's finger, to slide the
locking slider 591 to the locked or unlocked position. In various
exemplary embodiments, frictional engagement between the surfaces
of the slot 597 and the locking slider 591 work to maintain the
locking slider and a desired position. In other exemplary
embodiments, one or more mating protrusions and/or detents or other
means may be provided to maintain the locking slider and the locked
or unlocked position.
[0154] In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion
551 of the lever 550 of the holster 500 a sufficient distance to
pivot the lever 550 to the disengaged position, the locking slider
591 must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in FIGS. 15A
and 16A). If the locking slider 591 is in the locked position (as
illustrated in FIGS. 15B and 16B), the body portion 596 is
positioned so as to engage the engagement portion 555 of the lever
550 and keep the lever 550 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position.
[0155] In various exemplary embodiments, the locking slider 591 may
include one or more lockout apertures 593 and/or 595. If included,
the lockout apertures 593 and/or 595 allow a lock or other device
to be positioned within a portion of the body portion 596 to
maintain the locking slider 591 in the locked or unlocked
position.
[0156] FIG. 17 shows handgun holster having a retention system and
a locking slider 591, wherein the locking slider 591 is in a locked
position according to this invention.
[0157] FIGS. 18A and 18B show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun
holster 600 having a retention system according to this invention.
FIG. 18A shows the lockout lever 691 in a locked position, while
FIG. 18B shows the lockout lever 691 in an unlocked position.
[0158] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the handgun holster 600
includes an open top end 601 and a bottom end 602. The handgun
holster 600 further includes a body 603 defining a cavity 605
(having a trigger guard portion 607 and a frame/slide portion 609)
for receiving and holding the handgun.
[0159] The body 603 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 610, a trough 612, an aperture 616, a
recess 617, an optional ridge 618 and/or ridge segments 618 and/or
619, a second side wall 620 (not shown), a front wall 630, and a
rear wall 640. The handgun holster 600 further comprises attachment
points 670 (not shown), optional slots 684 and 682 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 686, optionally the biasing element 690
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 650 having a
finger button portion 651 and an engagement portion 655. The lever
650 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 660, to the first side
wall 610.
[0160] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 600 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B correspond to and operate
similarly to the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-11B.
[0161] However, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a surface hollow or
concavity 614 is formed within a portion of the ridge segment 619
of the side wall 610 such that a lockout lever 691 is rotatably
attached within a portion of the hollow 614. The hollow 614 is
formed such that a locking portion 693 of a lockout lever 691 is
capable of being rotatably maintained within the hollow 614.
[0162] In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever 691
includes at least one key slot 698 that is capable of interacting
with one or more mating portions of a key 699, such that rotation
of the lockout lever 691 can be accomplished by interaction of the
one or more mating portions of the key 699 and the at least one key
slot 698. Thus, through the interaction of a key 699 and key slots
698 of the lockout lever 691, the lockout lever 691 can be rotated
between a locked position (as illustrated in FIG. 18A) and an
unlocked position (as illustrated in FIG. 18B).
[0163] Alternatively, the lockout lever 691 may include certain
surface features of preparations that allow the lockout lever 691
to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position
without use of the key 699.
[0164] The lockout lever 691 includes a locking portion 693 that,
when the lockout lever 691 is in the locked position (as
illustrated in FIG. 18A), extends below the finger button portion
651 of the release lever 650 to block the finger button portion 651
of the release lever 650 and keep the release lever 650 from being
pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot
the release lever 650 from the engaged to the disengaged
position.
[0165] When the lockout lever 691 is in the unlocked position (as
illustrated in FIG. 18B), the locking portion of the lockout lever
691 is withdrawn from beneath the finger button portion 651 of the
release lever 650 so as to allow the finger button portion 651 of
the release lever 650 to be pivoted to the disengaged position.
[0166] In certain exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever 691 is
freely rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked
position. Alternatively, the lockout lever 691 may be frictionally
maintained, by, for example, frictional engagement between the
holster body 603 and the lockout lever 691, in either the locked or
the unlocked position unless a sufficient force is applied, i.e.,
by the key 699, to rotate the lockout lever 691 to the locked or
unlocked position.
[0167] In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion
651 of the release lever 650 a sufficient distance to pivot the
release lever 650 to the disengaged position, the lockout lever 691
must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in FIG. 18B). If
the lockout lever 691 is in the locked position (as illustrated in
FIG. 18A), the locking portion 693 is positioned so as to contact a
bottom surface of the finger button portion 651 and block the
finger button portion 651 of the release lever 650 and keep the
release lever 650 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position.
[0168] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
700 having a retention system with a lockout key 799 in a retention
system lockout position.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 19, the handgun holster 700 includes an
open top end 701 and a bottom end 702. The handgun holster 700
further includes a body 703 defining a cavity 705 (having a trigger
guard portion 707 and a frame/slide portion 709) for receiving and
holding the handgun.
[0170] The body 703 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 710, a trough 712, an aperture 716, a
recess 717, an optional ridge 718 and/or ridge segments 718 and/or
719, a second side wall 720 (not shown), a front wall 730, and a
rear wall 740. The handgun holster 700 further comprises attachment
points 770 (not shown), optional slots 784 and 782 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 786, optionally the biasing element 790
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 750 having a
finger button portion 751 and an engagement portion 755. The lever
750 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 760, to the first side
wall 710.
[0171] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 700 shown in FIG. 19 correspond to and operate similarly to
the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above with reference
to FIGS. 1-11B.
[0172] However, as shown in FIG. 19, two aligned apertures are
formed within a portion of the ridge 718 such that a lockout key
799 may be positioned within the aligned apertures.
[0173] When the lockout key 799 is in the retention system lockout
position (as illustrated in FIG. 19), a portion of the body of the
lockout key 799 extends, between the aligned apertures, above the
engagement portion 755 of the release lever 750 to block the
engagement portion 755 of the release lever 750 and keep the
release lever 750 from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if
an attempt is made to pivot the release lever 750 from the engaged
to the disengaged position.
[0174] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster
800 having a retention system with a lockout key 899 in a retention
system lockout position.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 20, the handgun holster 800 includes an
open top end 801 and a bottom end 802. The handgun holster 800
further includes a body 803 defining a cavity 805 (having a trigger
guard portion 807 and a frame/slide portion 809) for receiving and
holding the handgun.
[0176] The body 803 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 810, a trough 812, an aperture 816, a
recess 817, an optional ridge 818 and/or ridge segments 818 and/or
819, a second side wall 820 (not shown), a front wall 830, and a
rear wall 840. The handgun holster 800 further comprises attachment
points 870 (not shown), optional slots 884 and 882 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 886, optionally the biasing element 890
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 850 having a
finger button portion 851 and an engagement portion 855. The lever
850 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 860, to the first side
wall 810.
[0177] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 800 shown in FIG. 20 correspond to and operate similarly to
the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above with reference
to FIGS. 1-11B.
[0178] However, as shown in FIG. 20, an aperture is formed within a
portion of the ridge segment 819 such that a lockout key 899 may be
positioned within the aperture.
[0179] When the lockout key 899 is in the retention system lockout
position (as illustrated in FIG. 20), a portion of the body of the
lockout key 899 extends, between the aperture and the body 803,
below the finger button portion 851 of the release lever 850 to
block the finger button portion 851 of the release lever 850 and
keep the release lever 850 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever 850 from
the engaged to the disengaged position.
[0180] FIGS. 21-23 show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun
holster 900 having a retention system with a lockout band 991 in a
retention system lockout position.
[0181] As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the handgun holster 900 includes an
open top end 901 and a bottom end 902. The handgun holster 900
further includes a body 903 defining a cavity 905 (having a trigger
guard portion 907 and a frame/slide portion 909) for receiving and
holding the handgun.
[0182] The body 903 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 910, a trough 912, an aperture 916, a
recess 917, an optional ridge 918 and/or ridge segments 918 and/or
919, a second side wall 920 (not shown), a front wall 930, and a
rear wall 940. The handgun holster 900 further comprises attachment
points 970 (not shown), optional slots 984 and 982 (not shown), a
passive retention screw 986, optionally the biasing element 990
(not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever 950 having a
finger button portion 951 and an engagement portion 955. The lever
950 is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin 960, to the first side
wall 910.
[0183] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 900 shown in FIGS. 21-23 correspond to and operate
similarly to the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-11B.
[0184] However, as shown in FIGS. 21-23, an aperture is formed
within a portion of the ridge segment 919 such that a lockout band
991 may be positioned within the aperture. A similar aperture is
formed within the portion of a ridge segment 921 such that a
portion of the lockout band 991 may be positioned within the
aperture. When portions of the lockout band 991 are positioned
within the apertures, the lockout band 991 is in the retention
system lockout position.
[0185] When the lockout band 991 is in the retention system lockout
position (as illustrated in FIGS. 21-23), a portion of the body of
the lockout band 991 extends, between the aperture and the body
903, below the finger button portion 951 of the release lever 950
to block the finger button portion 951 of the release lever 950 and
keep the release lever 950 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever 950 from
the engaged to the disengaged position.
[0186] FIGS. 24A and 24B show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun
holster 1000 having a retention system according to this invention.
FIG. 24A shows a keyed lockout lever 1091 in a locked position,
while FIG. 24B shows the keyed lockout lever 1091 in an unlocked
position.
[0187] As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the handgun holster 1000
includes an open top end 1001 and a bottom end 1002. The handgun
holster 1000 further includes a body 1003 defining a cavity 1005
(having a trigger guard portion 1007 and a frame/slide portion
1009) for receiving and holding the handgun.
[0188] The body 1003 comprises a pair of opposed side walls
comprising a first side wall 1010, a trough 1012, an aperture 1016,
a recess 1017, an optional ridge 1018 and/or ridge segments 1018
and/or 1019, a second side wall 1020 (not shown), a front wall
1030, and a rear wall 1040. The handgun holster 1000 further
comprises attachment points 1070 (not shown), optional slots 1084
and 1082 (not shown), a passive retention screw 1086, optionally
the biasing element 1090 (not shown), and a retention means
comprising a lever 1050 having a finger button portion 1051 and an
engagement portion 1055. The lever 1050 is pivotally connected, via
a pivot pin 1060, to the first side wall 1010.
[0189] It should be understood that each of these elements of the
holster 1000 shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B correspond to and operate
similarly to the elements of holsters 100-300, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-11B.
[0190] However, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a cavity is formed
within a portion of the ridge 1018 such that a keyed lockout lever
1091 is pivotably attached within a portion of the side wall 1010.
The cavity is formed such that a locking portion 1093 of a keyed
lockout lever 1091 is capable of being maintained within the
cavity.
[0191] A slot 1097 is formed through a portion of the ridge 1018
such that a body portion 1096 of the keyed lockout lever 1091 is
capable of being slidably maintained within the slot 1097. Through
the interaction of a key and the body portion 1096 of the keyed
lockout lever 1091, the keyed lockout lever 1091 is able to be
rotated between a locked position (as illustrated in FIG. 24A) and
an unlocked position (as illustrated in FIG. 24B).
[0192] The keyed lockout lever 1091 includes a locking portion 1093
that, when the keyed lockout lever 1091 is in the locked position
(as illustrated in FIG. 24A), extends above the engagement portion
1055 of the release lever 1050 to block the engagement portion 1055
of the release lever 1050 and keep the release lever 1050 from
being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to
pivot the release lever 1050 from the engaged to the disengaged
position.
[0193] When the keyed lockout lever 1091 is in the unlocked
position (as illustrated in FIG. 24B), the locking portion 1093 of
the keyed lockout lever 1091 is withdrawn from above the engagement
portion 1055 of the release lever 1050 so as to allow the
engagement portion 1055 of the release lever 1050 to be pivoted to
the disengaged position.
[0194] In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion
1051 of the release lever 1050 a sufficient distance to pivot the
release lever 1050 to the disengaged position, the keyed lockout
lever 1091 must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in FIG.
24B). If the keyed lockout lever 1091 is in the locked position (as
illustrated in FIG. 24A), the locking portion 1093 is positioned so
as to contact a top surface of the engagement portion 1055 and
block the engagement portion 1055 of the release lever 1050 and
keep the release lever 1050 from being pivoted to the disengaged
position.
[0195] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description
of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are
intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental
invention should not be considered to be necessarily so
constrained. It is evident that the invention is not limited to the
particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations
modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled
in the art.
[0196] Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is
understood that every intervening value, between the upper and
lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value
in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper
and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be
included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassed within the
invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated
range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits,
ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also
included in the invention.
[0197] It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of
limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs.
[0198] In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of
the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and
claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of
the features described herein.
[0199] Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary
embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention, such
that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary,
modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for
various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention and elements or methods similar or equivalent to
those described herein can be used in practicing the present
invention. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications,
and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended
within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed
exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from
the true spirit and scope of the invention.
[0200] Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "and", "said", and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to
require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated
to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely", "only", and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements or the use of a "negative" claim
limitation(s).
* * * * *